Let’s face it — email has had a good run. For years, it's been the go-to communication tool across teams, but when it comes to managing artwork reviews, it’s more of a bottleneck than a blessing.

If you’re still buried in email threads, searching for feedback in forwarded chains, or wondering whether you’re working on the latest version, you’re not alone. Many brands still use email to review packaging artwork, and it’s costing them valuable time, resources, and peace of mind.

In this post, we break down why email is no longer fit for the job, and what a better alternative looks like.

Why email doesn’t cut it anymore

Email may work for basic updates, but it’s a nightmare for version-heavy, feedback-driven processes like artwork reviews. Here’s why:

No version control

When you're managing artwork through email, there's no easy way to track versions. Teams are constantly asking:

"Is this the latest file?"

You might end up reviewing the wrong version, missing key edits, or duplicating feedback. That’s how errors slip through the cracks.

No granular access control

Sharing artwork over email means you have little to no control over who can access, comment, or download files. There’s no way to set user-level permissions, which can lead to sensitive information getting into the wrong hands or unauthorized changes being made.

Difficult file management

Emails bury your files in threads, making it nearly impossible to find the right version when you need it. There’s no centralized system, no smart tags, and no metadata to help you quickly locate past projects or approved designs.

Feedback is scattered

When comments come in through multiple threads, forwarded chains, and side messages, there's a huge chance something gets missed or misinterpreted.

With no central space to leave and resolve feedback, teams waste hours piecing it all together.

Lack of visibility

In email, there’s no way to know where the project stands without manual follow-ups. You’re left guessing who’s seen the file, who’s approved what, and what’s still pending.

High risk of rework

Miscommunication and outdated files lead to one thing: rework. And every revision adds time, delays your go-to-market, and stretches your resources thin.

Email was designed for communication, not collaboration. And definitely not for regulated, asset-sensitive workflows like packaging.

What you’re losing (and it’s more than just time)

Email-based reviews don’t just create bottlenecks, they slowly chip away at your productivity, quality, and sanity. Here’s a closer look at what it’s really costing you:

Time

Think about how much time your team spends:

• Following up for feedback

• Searching inboxes for the latest files

• Clarifying vague comments

Multiply that by every project and stakeholder, and it adds up fast.

Resources

Your designers, marketers, and regulatory teams should be focused on creative and strategic work, not sorting through inboxes. But the inefficiencies of email turn high-value talent into traffic managers.

Sanity

The back-and-forth gets exhausting. Errors pile up. Revisions go in circles. No one knows where things stand. Sooner or later, it burns your team out.

Quality

When things are rushed or unclear, quality inevitably drops. Important changes may be overlooked, compliance issues can arise, and the final output suffers.

How Artwork Flow solves the chaos  

Artwork Flow is purpose-built for streamlined, collaborative, and error-proof packaging workflows. With structured workflows, centralized feedback, and smart automation, it’s everything email isn’t.

Centralized feedback

All comments and annotations live within the platform — directly on the file, in context. Everyone’s feedback is visible, trackable, and easy to act on.

Version control

Every file upload is tracked and versioned automatically. You can access every file version from one place instead of digging through emails, chats, and folders.

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"Before implementing Artwork Flow, our process for updating packaging was quite cumbersome. It involved countless emails back and forth, iterations upon iterations, and rework that was not effective. I specifically love the ability to compare designs to previous versions. This really reduces our pain point of rework."

— Lisa Caras, Marketing Manager, Jones Dairy Farm

Built-in checklists

Simplify the review process with checklists that let you add specific requirements for each task. This ensures nothing gets missed and every artwork passes through a structured, error-proof review process.

Workflow clarity

Assign roles, set deadlines, and automate approval flows — so everyone knows what to do and when.

Here’s how Manny Arthur, Design Manager at LesserEvil, described the shift to Artwork Flow:

“Artwork Flow has streamlined our packaging artwork management team’s processes. Before we started using this software, it was far too easy for the details of our various projects to fall through the cracks in the back-and-forth of email. Now, everything is consolidated in one place.”

Real-time visibility

Dashboards show where every project stands, who’s approved what, and what’s coming next. No status update emails needed.

Here’s what Dennis Corleon, Technology Experience Lead at ParagonCorp, had to say about the difference after switching to Artwork Flow:

“Before, we’d calculate ongoing projects manually from our emails to report to management. Now, Artwork Flow’s dashboard analytics have made project reporting and analysis so much easier.”  

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Granular sharing

Easily share artwork files directly from the DAM with precise control over who can view, comment, or download. This keeps your assets secure and ensures the right people have access to the right files.  

Smart asset library

Artwork Flow’s Digital Asset Management (DAM) makes it easy to find any file, anytime. With smart tags, metadata, and powerful search, you can pull up exactly what you need in seconds, without digging through old threads or attachments.

Here’s how Akshay Sehgal, Senior Marketing Executive at KRBL Limited, described the difference after switching to Artwork Flow:

"Before Artwork Flow, I didn’t know anything like this existed. We now have structured dedicated workflows for each artwork and a proper asset library with version control which was missing earlier."

Audit-ready

For regulated industries like F&B, pharma, and cosmetics, having an audit trail isn’t optional — it’s essential. Artwork Flow captures it all.

Automated regulatory compliance  

For brands in regulated industries, staying compliant is non-negotiable. Artwork Flow's rulebook feature helps you catch compliance errors early by automatically checking your packaging against critical regulations like FDA, FSSAI, and other global standards.

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Proofing tools

Emails simply weren’t built for design proofing. They leave too much room for human error. With proofing tools like artwork compare, measurement scale, layer analysis, color pickers, and more, Artwork Flow helps you quickly catch packaging errors, verify accuracy, and maintain brand consistency without the hassle of manual checks.

Here’s what Sameerah, the Regulatory Affairs Manager at Sadafco, had to say about their workflow before switching to Artwork Flow:

"Before using Artwork Flow, the Sadafco team managed labels through email. It was difficult," Sameerah shared. "You’d lose track of the latest version, and files would sometimes go to print with a few mistakes."

Why leading brands are making the switch

Brands from a wide range of industries, including Paragoncorp, Sadafco, Jones Dairy Farm, LesserEvil, and many more, once relied heavily on long email chains for artwork reviews and collaboration. This approach not only slowed down their workflows but also cost them significant time and money as they struggled to manage version control, feedback alignment, and compliance checks.

By moving to Artwork Flow, these brands have seen up to 50% faster approvals, 75% higher efficiency, and 40% reduction in TAT — all while reducing errors and staying compliant.

A better way to review artwork  

Still relying on email for artwork reviews? It's time to rethink.

Email might feel familiar, but it's slowing you down and opening the door to costly errors and delays. With Artwork Flow, you get a platform that’s designed for how packaging teams actually work — structured, collaborative, and transparent.

Say goodbye to email chaos, and hello to efficient, scalable artwork management.

Ready to streamline your reviews? Book a demo.

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